BMW 330ci performance?

Question

I just got a E46 330ci and was wandering if anyone has put any performance parts on theirs yet, and how your experiances with them have been? thanks

Answer 1

I have two BMWs that have the same M54 3.0L motor as your 330Ci. Generally speaking, this motor is already pretty efficient. If you go down the route of naturally aspirated modifications, you won't gain too much, but you will spend a good amount of money. This is okay for some people if they insist on remaining naturally aspirated as is my case.

One of my cars has all the typical "bolt-on" parts like Conforti Intake kit, Shark Injector Software, Supersprint cat-back exhaust, underdrive pulleys, etc. I was able to lower my 0-60mph time from 6.1s to 5.8s. That's a lot of money for 0.3s, but for me that was ok. Costs on this path of modifications is around $2000 and my guess is that i probably gained about 10hp.

If you're pretty hardcore, you can add performance camshafts, custom ECU tuning, port and polish your head and gain some more power. But going down this route will add another $10K in parts and labor. It might gain you about 20-30hp.

If you want the best bang for your buck performance modification, you will have to go force induction. In particular, a very attractive twinscrew supercharger system has been released by ESS Tuning. Force induction can be expensive up front, but you will be paying less per HP and you will likely gain close to 100HP. This route will cost about $7K-$9K depending on the kit and if you use someone for the install.

There are also "performance" modifications to improve your handling in terms of suspension and brakes. But I suspected your sense of "performance" was in the context of horsepower.

Answer 2

I just bought an e46 325 and the only thing that I have put on it is a B&M short shifter. It was well worth it. I thought that the throw was rubbery and WAY too long before. Now it is perfect.

Answer 3

Go to www.e46fanatics.com

Look in their forums. Their General section will have more than you'll ever need. Do a Search first, because any question you have has been asked multiple times before.